Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767-300F Series Airplanes, 45980-45982 [E7-16095]
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45980
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 158 / Thursday, August 16, 2007 / Proposed Rules
rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSALS
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) states:
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is
published subsequent to the detection of
cracks on multiple aircraft in lower skin
panel No. 2 forward of access panel 575FB/
675FB held on the rear dummy spar, inboard
of rib 9, fuselage side, aft of the rear spar.
This area of structure has been subjected to
several repairs and modifications in previous
years.
The AIRBUS Service Bulletins (SB) A300–
57–0177 at Revision 3 and A300–57–6029 at
Revision 4 define the various configurations
for the mandatory inspections to be
conducted in order to control or correct the
development of cracks which could affect the
structural integrity of the aircraft.
The MCAI requires doing repetitive
inspections (detailed visual, high frequency
eddy current, x-ray) of the wing lower skin
panel and associated internal support
structure for cracking and, if necessary, doing
corrective measures (modifying the lower
panel inboard of rib 9 aft of the rear spar and
repairing cracks).
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, do the following
actions.
(1) Except as provided by paragraphs
(f)(1)(i), (f)(1)(ii), (f)(1)(iii), and (f)(1)(iv) of
this AD: At the threshold specified in
paragraph 1.E.(2) of Airbus Service Bulletin
A300–57–0177, Revision 05, dated March 23,
2007; or A300–57–6029, Revision 06, dated
March 23, 2007; as applicable; perform the
inspection of the wing lower skin panel and
associated internal support structure aft of
the rear spar and inboard of rib 9 and apply
applicable corrective measures in accordance
with Airbus Service Bulletin A300–57–0177,
Revision 05, dated March 23, 2007; or A300–
57–6029, Revision 06, dated March 23, 2007;
as applicable. All applicable corrective
measures must be done at the applicable
times specified in paragraph 1.E.(2) and the
Accomplishment Instructions of the
applicable service bulletin.
(i) Where the tables in paragraph 1.(E).(2),
‘‘Accomplishment Timescale,’’ of the service
bulletins specify a grace period for doing the
actions, this AD requires that the action be
done within the specified grace period
relative to the effective date of this AD.
(ii) Where the tables in paragraph
1.E.(2)(e), ‘‘config 04,’’ of Airbus Service
Bulletin A300–57–0177, Revision 05, specify
an inspection interval but not an initial
threshold, this AD requires that the actions
be done within the specified interval after
inspecting in accordance with Table 1A or
1B, as applicable, for configuration 01 of the
service bulletin and thereafter at the
inspection interval specified in the tables in
paragraph 1.E.(2)(e), ‘‘config 04,’’ of Airbus
Service Bulletin A300–57–0177, Revision 05.
(iii) Where the tables in paragraph
1.E.(2)(f), ‘‘config 05,’’ of A300–57–6029,
Revision 06, specify an inspection interval
but not an initial threshold, this AD requires
that the actions be done within the specified
interval after inspecting in accordance with
Table 1A or 1B, as applicable, for
configuration 01 of the service bulletin and
VerDate Aug<31>2005
17:19 Aug 15, 2007
Jkt 211001
thereafter at the inspection interval specified
in the tables in paragraph 1.E.(2)(f), ‘‘config
05,’’ of A300–57–6029, Revision 06.
(iv) All crack lengths specified in Airbus
Service Bulletin A300–57–0177, Revision 05,
and A300–57–6029, Revision 06, are
considered ‘‘not to exceed’’ lengths.
(2) Repeat the inspection at the intervals
in, and according to the instructions defined
in, Airbus Service Bulletin A300–57–0177,
Revision 05, dated March 23, 2007; or A300–
57–6029, Revision 06, dated March 23, 2007;
as applicable.
(3) Report to Airbus the first inspection
results, whatever they may be, at the
applicable time specified in paragraph
(e)(3)(i) or (e)(3)(ii) of this AD.
(i) If the inspection was done after the
effective date of this AD, submit the report
within 30 days after the inspection.
(ii) If the inspection was accomplished
prior to the effective date of this AD, submit
the report within 30 days after the effective
date of this AD.
(4) Actions accomplished before the
effective date of this AD in accordance with
Airbus Service Bulletin A300–57–0177,
Revision 03, dated May 29, 2006; Airbus
Service Bulletin A300–57–0177, Revision 04,
dated January 5, 2007; Airbus Service
Bulletin A300–57–6029, Revision 04, dated
May 29, 2006; or A300–57–6029, Revision
05, dated October 23, 2006; are considered
acceptable for compliance with the
corresponding action specified in this AD.
FAA AD Differences
Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/
or service information as follows: No
differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) The following provisions also apply to
this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, International
Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane
Directorate, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Send information to ATTN: Tom Stafford,
Aerospace Engineer, International Branch,
ANM–116, FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425)
227–1622; fax (425) 227–1149. Before using
any approved AMOC on any airplane to
which the AMOC applies, notify your
appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the
FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO),
or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain corrective
actions from a manufacturer or other source,
use these actions if they are FAA-approved.
Corrective actions are considered FAAapproved if they are approved by the State
of Design Authority (or their delegated
agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any
reporting requirement in this AD, under the
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act,
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
has approved the information collection
requirements and has assigned OMB Control
Number 2120–0056.
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Related Information
(h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation
Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2006–
0282, dated September 12, 2006; and the
service information in Table 1 of this AD; for
related information.
TABLE 1.—SERVICE INFORMATION
Airbus Service
Bulletin
Revision
level
A300–57–0177
A300–57–0222
A300–57–6029
A300–57–6064
05
01
06
04
Date
March
March
March
March
23, 2007.
13, 2006.
23, 2007.
9, 2006.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 31,
2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7–16097 Filed 8–15–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2007–28943; Directorate
Identifier 2007–NM–011–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
Model 767–300F Series Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Boeing Model 767–300F series
airplanes. This proposed AD would
require replacing the rotomolded duct(s)
of the mix manifold system with new
duct(s). This proposed AD results from
a report of failures of the duct joint seal
of the mix manifold system. We are
proposing this AD to prevent air
conditioning leakage into the mix
manifold bay. Such leakage could
decrease the air flow to the flight
compartment and main cabin or could
allow smoke into the flight
compartment in the event of a fire in the
main cabin or forward cargo
compartment.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by October 1, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following
addresses to submit comments on this
proposed AD.
• DOT Docket Web site: Go to
https://dms.dot.gov and follow the
E:\FR\FM\16AUP1.SGM
16AUP1
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 158 / Thursday, August 16, 2007 / Proposed Rules
instructions for sending your comments
electronically.
• Government-wide rulemaking Web
site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending
your comments electronically.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Hand Delivery: Room W12–140 on
the ground floor of the West Building,
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
Contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124–2207, for the service
information identified in this proposed
AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jeffrey S. Palmer, Aerospace Engineer,
Cabin Safety and Environmental
Systems Branch, ANM–150S, FAA,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone
(425) 917–6481; fax (425) 917–6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSALS
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant
written data, views, or arguments
regarding this proposed AD. Send your
comments to an address listed in the
ADDRESSES section. Include the docket
number ‘‘FAA–2007–28943; Directorate
Identifier 2007–NM–011–AD’’ at the
beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the
overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of
the proposed AD. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date
and may amend the proposed AD in
light of those comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal
information you provide. We will also
post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD.
Using the search function of that Web
site, anyone can find and read the
comments in any of our dockets,
including the name of the individual
who sent the comment (or signed the
comment on behalf of an association,
business, labor union, etc.). You may
review DOT’s complete Privacy Act
Statement in the Federal Register
published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR
19477–78), or you may visit https://
dms.dot.gov.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
17:19 Aug 15, 2007
Jkt 211001
45981
Examining the Docket
Costs of Compliance
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov, or in
person at the Docket Operations office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The Docket Operations office (telephone
(800) 647–5527) is located on the
ground level of the West Building at the
DOT street address stated in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after
the Docket Management System receives
them.
There are about 40 airplanes of the
affected design in the worldwide fleet.
This proposed AD would affect about 32
airplanes of U.S. registry. The proposed
actions would take about 2 or 8 work
hours per airplane, at an average labor
rate of $80 per work hour. Required
parts would cost about $4,123 or
$42,825 per airplane. Based on these
figures, the estimated cost of the
proposed AD for U.S. operators is
$4,283 or $43,465 per airplane. (The
estimated work hours and costs depend
on the airplane configuration).
Discussion
Authority for This Rulemaking
We have received a report of more
than ten failures of the duct joint seal of
the mix manifold system on Boeing
Model 767–300F series airplanes. The
seal failures resulted in air conditioning
leakage into the mix manifold bay,
which consequently decreased the air
flow to the flight compartment and main
cabin. The failed ducts were made from
rotomolded nylon and were between 7
and 9 inches in diameter. Service
history has shown that the ducts made
from rotomolded nylon material that are
larger than 6.5 inches in diameter can
fail as a result of joint seal failures, loose
clamps, and duct deformation due to
insufficient rigidity. This condition, if
not corrected, could result in air
conditioning leakage into the mix
manifold bay. Such leakage could
decrease the air flow to the flight
compartment and main cabin or could
allow smoke into the flight
compartment in the event of a fire in the
main cabin or forward cargo
compartment.
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
Section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII,
Aviation Programs, describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under
the authority described in Subtitle VII,
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701,
‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that
section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
air commerce by prescribing regulations
for practices, methods, and procedures
the Administrator finds necessary for
safety in air commerce. This regulation
is within the scope of that authority
because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on
products identified in this rulemaking
action.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 767–21–
0192, dated March 23, 2006. The service
information describes procedures for
replacing the rotomolded duct(s) of the
mix manifold system with new duct(s).
Accomplishing the actions specified in
the service information is intended to
adequately address the unsafe
condition.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of the Proposed AD
We have evaluated all pertinent
information and identified an unsafe
condition that is likely to exist or
develop on other airplanes of this same
type design. For this reason, we are
proposing this AD, which would require
accomplishing the actions specified in
the service information described
previously.
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this
proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the
States, on the relationship between the
national Government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that the proposed regulation:
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
3. Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this proposed AD and placed it in the
AD docket. See the ADDRESSES section
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45982
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 158 / Thursday, August 16, 2007 / Proposed Rules
for a location to examine the regulatory
evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
TABLE 1.—REPLACEMENT
For airplanes
identified in the
service bulletin
as—
Do the following action—
(1) Group 1
airplanes.
Replace the rotomolded duct
between the transition
duct of the right cooling
pack and the mix manifold
with a new duct made of
aluminum.
Replace the rotomolded
ducts of the mix manifold
system with new ducts
made from Kevlar and
aluminum.
(2) Group 2
airplanes.
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13
by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
BOEING: Docket No. FAA–2007–28943;
Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–011–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on
this AD action by October 1, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 767–
300F series airplanes, certificated in any
category; as identified in Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 767–21–0192,
dated March 23, 2006.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a report of failures
of the duct joint seal of the mix manifold
system. We are issuing this AD to prevent air
conditioning leakage into the mix manifold
bay. Such leakage could decrease the air flow
to the flight compartment and main cabin or
could allow smoke into the flight
compartment in the event of a fire in the
main cabin or forward cargo compartment.
Compliance
Replacement
rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSALS
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 30,
2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7–16095 Filed 8–15–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2006–25658; Directorate
Identifier 2006–NM–054–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model
A318, A319, A320, and A321 Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Supplemental notice of
proposed rulemaking (NPRM);
reopening of comment period.
AGENCY:
(e) You are responsible for having the
actions required by this AD performed within
the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
(f) Within 36 months after the effective
date of this AD, do the applicable action
specified in Table 1 of this AD in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin
767–21–0192, dated March 23, 2006.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(g)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in
accordance with the procedures found in 14
CFR 39.19.
(2) To request a different method of
compliance or a different compliance time
for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR
39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on
any airplane to which the AMOC applies,
notify your appropriate principal inspector
(PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District
Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local
FSDO.
17:19 Aug 15, 2007
Jkt 211001
SUMMARY: The FAA is revising an earlier
supplemental NPRM for an
airworthiness directive (AD) that
applies to certain Airbus Model A318,
A319, A320, and A321 airplanes. The
first supplemental NPRM would have
superseded an existing AD that
currently requires repetitive detailed
PO 00000
Frm 00035
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
inspections of the inboard flap
trunnions for any wear marks and of the
sliding panels for any cracking at the
long edges, and corrective actions if
necessary. These actions resulted from
reports of wear damage to the inboard
flap trunnions after incorporation of the
terminating modification, and certain
airplanes were inadvertently excluded
from the applicability in the original
NPRM. This new action revises the first
supplemental NPRM by adding
airplanes that were recently added to
the type certificate data sheet. We are
proposing this second supplemental
NPRM to detect and correct wear of the
inboard flap trunnions, which could
lead to loss of flap surface control and
consequently result in the flap
detaching from the airplane. A detached
flap could result in damage to the tail
of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this supplemental NPRM by September
10, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following
addresses to submit comments on this
proposed AD.
• DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://
dms.dot.gov and follow the instructions
for sending your comments
electronically.
• Government-wide rulemaking Web
site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending
your comments electronically.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Hand Delivery: Room W12–140 on
the ground floor of the West Building,
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France,
for service information identified in this
second supplemental NPRM.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan
Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone
(425) 227–2125; fax (425) 227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant
written data, views, or arguments
regarding this proposal. Send your
comments to an address listed in the
ADDRESSES section. Include the docket
number ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2006–25658;
E:\FR\FM\16AUP1.SGM
16AUP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 158 (Thursday, August 16, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 45980-45982]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-16095]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-28943; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-011-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767-300F Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Boeing Model 767-300F series airplanes. This proposed AD
would require replacing the rotomolded duct(s) of the mix manifold
system with new duct(s). This proposed AD results from a report of
failures of the duct joint seal of the mix manifold system. We are
proposing this AD to prevent air conditioning leakage into the mix
manifold bay. Such leakage could decrease the air flow to the flight
compartment and main cabin or could allow smoke into the flight
compartment in the event of a fire in the main cabin or forward cargo
compartment.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 1, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow
the
[[Page 45981]]
instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the
West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124-2207, for the service information identified in this
proposed AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey S. Palmer, Aerospace Engineer,
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6481; fax (425) 917-6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ``FAA-2007-
28943; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-011-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of
that Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union,
etc.). You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you
may visit https://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The
Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is located on the
ground level of the West Building at the DOT street address stated in
the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket
shortly after the Docket Management System receives them.
Discussion
We have received a report of more than ten failures of the duct
joint seal of the mix manifold system on Boeing Model 767-300F series
airplanes. The seal failures resulted in air conditioning leakage into
the mix manifold bay, which consequently decreased the air flow to the
flight compartment and main cabin. The failed ducts were made from
rotomolded nylon and were between 7 and 9 inches in diameter. Service
history has shown that the ducts made from rotomolded nylon material
that are larger than 6.5 inches in diameter can fail as a result of
joint seal failures, loose clamps, and duct deformation due to
insufficient rigidity. This condition, if not corrected, could result
in air conditioning leakage into the mix manifold bay. Such leakage
could decrease the air flow to the flight compartment and main cabin or
could allow smoke into the flight compartment in the event of a fire in
the main cabin or forward cargo compartment.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-21-
0192, dated March 23, 2006. The service information describes
procedures for replacing the rotomolded duct(s) of the mix manifold
system with new duct(s). Accomplishing the actions specified in the
service information is intended to adequately address the unsafe
condition.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes
of this same type design. For this reason, we are proposing this AD,
which would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service
information described previously.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 40 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. This proposed AD would affect about 32 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The proposed actions would take about 2 or 8 work hours
per airplane, at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. Required
parts would cost about $4,123 or $42,825 per airplane. Based on these
figures, the estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators is
$4,283 or $43,465 per airplane. (The estimated work hours and costs
depend on the airplane configuration).
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed
regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the
ADDRESSES section
[[Page 45982]]
for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
BOEING: Docket No. FAA-2007-28943; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-
011-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by October
1, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 767-300F series airplanes,
certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 767-21-0192, dated March 23, 2006.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a report of failures of the duct joint
seal of the mix manifold system. We are issuing this AD to prevent
air conditioning leakage into the mix manifold bay. Such leakage
could decrease the air flow to the flight compartment and main cabin
or could allow smoke into the flight compartment in the event of a
fire in the main cabin or forward cargo compartment.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Replacement
(f) Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, do the
applicable action specified in Table 1 of this AD in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 767-21-0192, dated March 23, 2006.
Table 1.--Replacement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
For airplanes identified in the service
bulletin as-- Do the following action--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Group 1 airplanes.................. Replace the rotomolded duct
between the transition duct of
the right cooling pack and the
mix manifold with a new duct
made of aluminum.
(2) Group 2 airplanes.................. Replace the rotomolded ducts of
the mix manifold system with
new ducts made from
Kevlar[supreg] and aluminum.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(g)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(2) To request a different method of compliance or a different
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19.
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local
FSDO.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 30, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-16095 Filed 8-15-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P